Given how ubiquitous computers are in our modern lives, it’s easy to forget that it is all underpinned by simple code. No matter how complex the machine or software that you interact with, it is ultimately built upon simple lines of code. If you learn to code, you can turn your PC towards any task you choose. If you are a university student studying physics or engineering, we can’t recommend learning to code enough. Just the ability to write your own custom calculators makes it a useful skill.
But even if you appreciate the potential that learning to code offers, you need to decide which of the many coding languages out there to learn. There are plenty to choose from, each one with its own individual advantages and drawbacks. However, some languages lend themselves better to beginners than others. Python is an excellent beginner language but is also a powerful tool for professional coders working in a variety of different fields.
Here are just three excellent reasons that everybody should think about learning Python, regardless of their prior experience.
Simplicity
Python is a joy to look at. If you like coding, Python is one of those languages that will elicit a sigh of relief. Coders only need to learn a few fundamental formatting practices to write highly readable code in Python. Even if you don’t know the first thing about coding, you can get started with Python in a matter of minutes. Once you’re up and running, you will be able to produce your own simple programs within hours.
Those who already have prior programming experience will breeze through the basics of Python and should be able to pick up its more advanced workings in a relatively short amount of time. The simplicity of Python adds to its readability. However, don’t mistake the elegant simplicity of Python for an indication that it is not a capable language.
Versatility
Python is a language that is used in a wide range of different fields, it is an exceptionally versatile language, especially when you consider how simple it is to code with. For example, one of the first things you learn to do in Python is manipulate data. This can take the form of simple numerical calculations, or it can be arrays of data of varying types. Python is regularly used by data scientists to manipulate and visualize data.
Python also offers the most accessible way for the average coder to play about with machine learning. Machine learning is one of the most important frontiers of modern computing, underpinning some of the most exciting technology on the horizon. Machine learning algorithms are what makes the artificial intelligence in driverless cars, smart assistants, and even analysis of satellite and telescope data possible.
It’s Free
Python is completely free to use, even for commercial applications. You can find a Python tutorial online for just about every function and feature that the language supports. There are virtually no barriers to learning Python, as long as you own a smartphone (except iPhone), laptop or tablet, you can use it to code in Python.
Whether you are looking for a first coding language to learn, or you want to add a new one to your arsenal, Python is the perfect choice. There is a multitude of potential applications for Python, making it a language that anyone should find useful.
